I’ve met countless professionals who believe that earning certifications like CISSP, CISM, Security+, etc. is the key to advancing their careers. And while certifications are valuable—they demonstrate expertise, commitment, and a solid understanding of best practices—there’s one critical skill they don’t teach: how to communicate security and technology risks in a way that leadership understands.

I have several myself: CISSP, PMP, ITIL, MCSE and more — each one has helped me gain deeper technical knowledge and industry credibility. But none of them, on their own, prepared me for the real challenge of leadership: translating complex security concepts into business priorities.

A few weeks ago, I spoke with a colleague who had just completed a major certification. He was feeling confident about his technical knowledge, but then he walked into a leadership meeting and was asked to explain why his team’s proposed security initiative mattered to the business. He knew the technical details inside and out, but when it came to making the case to executives—framing security as a business priority rather than a technical challenge—he struggled.

That moment made it clear: Certifications don’t prepare you for the real challenges of leadership.

The Gap Between Certifications and Real-World Leadership

Certifications focus on frameworks, methodologies, and compliance—which are important. But in the real world, professionals must be able to:

• Translate security risks into business impact.
• Justify IT investments in terms of ROI.
• Persuade leadership to prioritize security initiatives.

I’ve seen too many skilled IT professionals hit a ceiling in their careers—not because they lack knowledge, but because they struggle to communicate complex ideas in a way that decision-makers care about.

For example, if you’re discussing Zero Trust security with your executive team, you need to go beyond saying,

“Zero Trust limits network access to reduce attack surfaces.”

Instead, translate that into business terms:

“Zero Trust ensures that only the right people have access to critical systems, reducing the likelihood of a data breach that could cost us millions in fines and lost customer trust.“

This shift in communication changes the conversation—and ultimately determines whether your initiatives get the support they need.

Three Skills Every Cybersecurity and IT Leader Needs

If you want to stand out and drive real change, focus on developing these three essential leadership skills:

1. Storytelling & Business Impact

Leaders don’t respond to jargon and technical specs—they respond to narratives that connect security to real business challenges.

• Instead of saying: “We need to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to strengthen security.”
• Say: “Over 80% of breaches come from weak passwords. MFA would immediately reduce our risk of unauthorized access, protecting both our data and our reputation.”

The difference? One statement sounds like an IT upgrade. The other sounds like a business necessity.

2. Risk-Based Decision Making

Security isn’t about eliminating all risks—it’s about prioritizing the most critical ones without disrupting operations.

• Understand risk appetite — how much risk your company is willing to tolerate.
• Learn how to quantify risk in dollars — leaders want to know what a security failure could cost the business.
• Frame recommendations in terms of business value, not just security best practices.

Example: Instead of saying, “This patch reduces vulnerabilities,” explain, “This patch could prevent an outage that would cost us $50K in lost revenue per hour.”

3. Stakeholder Influence & Negotiation

Your ability to secure buy-in for security initiatives determines whether they actually get implemented.

• Speak the language of finance, operations, and executive leadership—not just IT.
• Identify the real drivers behind security decisions (often compliance, customer trust, or financial impact).
• Build relationships before you need them—so when a crisis arises, decision-makers already trust your expertise.

If you can’t convince the CFO or CEO why security investments matter, even the best technology solutions will go underfunded or deprioritized.

How to Develop These Skills (Beyond Certifications)

So, how do you bridge the gap between technical expertise and executive influence?

1. Start practicing now. Present security insights to non-technical colleagues and get feedback on clarity.
2. Study leadership communication. Take courses on storytelling, negotiation, and business strategy.
3. Follow cybersecurity leaders who articulate security in business terms—watch how they frame discussions.
4. Get involved in executive-level conversations. Don’t just sit in IT meetings—engage with finance, operations, and leadership.

The professionals who stand out are the ones who combine technical depth with the ability to communicate its value to the business.

Certifications prove what you know—but your ability to connect security to business priorities is what sets you apart.

If you’re serious about advancing in cybersecurity or IT leadership, ask yourself:
Are you just learning technical frameworks, or are you preparing to lead?

Tech skills get you in the door. Communication skills put you at the table.

Are you ready for that next-level conversation?

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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As we approach 2025, I’m excited to share some big goals I’ve set for myself and my business. Every November, I reflect on ways to grow, both personally and professionally, and this past November was no different.

Here’s a glimpse into what I’m focusing on in 2025:

Writing and Publishing My First Book

This year, my personal goal is to write and publish my first book. Publishing a book has been a long-time aspiration of mine and is an opportunity to channel creativity, share insights, and accomplish something deeply meaningful on a personal level. As part of this, I’m applying my “5 to 10% personal development rule,” dedicating no more than 5-10% of my time and income to this project.

Here’s where I stand:

• Exploring Content Options:
  • I’ve already drafted two books:
    • A passion project about technology careers.
    • A business-focused book targeting my ideal audience, which I’ve revised twice but may still refine further.
  • Alternatively, I may start fresh and write a completely new book that better meets the needs of my audience.
• Publishing Insights:
  • I recently read The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan by Karl Palachuk and Stephanie Chandler, which provided valuable insights into the self-publishing process. It also helped confirm my assumption that self-publishing my first book would likely require more time than my 5-10% rule allows.
  • To balance my time commitments, I’m leaning toward working with a hybrid publishing company for this first book. This approach will provide the structure I need while ensuring I can meet my personal and professional priorities.
  • Self-publishing is still on the table for future books once I’ve mastered the process and can dedicate more time.

Aligning Personal and Business Goals:

This year, I’ve decided to align my personal goals with my business objectives to create a stronger, more cohesive path forward. A significant shift I’ve embraced is becoming more publicly active—a step I haven’t taken in several years. By aligning my personal and professional growth, I’m taking a strategic approach to strengthen my business and personal brand:

• Q1: Redefining my personal brand marketing strategy.
• Q2: Increasing my public presence by participating in events and networking.
• Q3: Developing a robust process to better engage my target audience.

I’ve also partnered with a marketing firm to fine-tune specific aspects of my business marketing. Their expertise will complement my efforts to enhance my overall strategy.

Looking Ahead

2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year. Publishing my first book—whether it’s a revised version of my current drafts or an entirely new project—will be a deeply personal milestone. By focusing on aligning my personal goals with my business strategy, I’m creating a foundation for growth and success in all areas of my life.

I’m excited about what’s ahead and grateful to have your support along the way. If you have advice, insights, or encouragement, I’d love to hear from you.

Let’s make this year one of meaningful achievements together!

Wylie Blanchard

Here are a few of my activities from 2024:

• What is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Why Does It Matter?
• From NPD to the Cloud: Why Businesses Must Prioritize Cybersecurity Now
• Embracing AI in SMBs: Driving Competitiveness and Efficiency Through Technology
• Essential Disaster Preparedness Strategies: Safeguarding Your Business
• Innovating on a Budget: Strategies for Today’s Tech Leaders
• Embracing AI in SMBs: Driving Competitiveness and Efficiency Through Technology

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How do technology companies manage the continuous demand for innovation while grappling with stringent budget constraints and evolving market expectations? In 2024, firms face a relentless challenge to integrate cutting-edge technologies into new products, all while optimizing operational efficiency under financial pressures. This article explores the aspects that influence the tech world, ranging from the integration of innovative technologies to the dynamics of IT spending and consumer satisfaction. By analyzing critical statistics from industry-leading surveys and reports, we uncover the challenges and opportunities that define the landscape of technology and its impact on both companies and consumers.

Integration of Technologies and Innovation Pressure

For technology-focused businesses, innovation is not just a buzzword but a survival strategy. According to the KPMG 2023 US Technology Survey, 58% of technology sector executives report that their primary challenge is the increased pressure to create new product features by integrating multiple technologies.¹ This indicates a broader industry trend where the rapid pace of technological advancement is not just an opportunity but also a considerable strain.

Companies are compelled to explore and adopt a multitude of emerging technologies—ranging from AI to IoT—each promising to be the next big revolution. The integration of these technologies is not merely about keeping up with competitors but about redefining market standards and consumer expectations. The drive to innovate under pressure not only pushes companies towards technological breakthroughs but also demands a high level of agility and creativity from their leaders.

Budget Constraints and Productivity

The pressure to innovate is juxtaposed with stringent budget constraints. The KPMG 2023 Global Tech Report highlights that 65% of tech companies are expected to do more with less, with reduced budgets compared to the previous year.² Meanwhile, the Deloitte Tech Trends 2023 report indicates that 72% of digital leaders have witnessed improvements in employee productivity due to digital transformation.³

These insights underscore a critical balance that companies must achieve—enhancing productivity without proportional increases in budgets. Leveraging technology for digital transformation presents a solution, allowing businesses to automate processes, enhance decision-making, and optimize resource allocation. The key challenge lies in strategically investing in technologies that yield the highest return on investment in terms of productivity.

Future Trends in IT Investment and AI Adoption

Despite the economic uncertainties, the technology sector continues to see optimistic investment forecasts. In its 2024 Outlook Technology Report, Deloitte predicts an 8% growth in global IT spending,⁴ suggesting a strong confidence in tech development’s ROI. Concurrently, Horton’s anticipates that 75% of software engineers will use AI coding assistants by 2028 in its 2024 Tech Trends report,⁵ signifying a shift towards more automated and sophisticated tools in software development.

This indicates not only a robust investment climate but also a transformative shift in how technology is being developed and utilized. The integration of AI tools in software engineering is set to redefine the traditional methodologies, leading to faster, more efficient, and potentially more innovative development cycles. Such trends are pivotal for tech companies aiming to lead in innovation and efficiency.

Executive Confidence and Technological Adequacy

Confidence among executives regarding their technological capabilities remains high, with 70% expressing confidence in achieving their goals using existing technologies,¹ reveals a significant alignment between strategic goals and technological capabilities within organizations.

This confidence likely stems from successful past integrations of technology that have led to measurable benefits, such as increased market reach or improved operational efficiency. It also points to a maturity in the technology lifecycle where existing tools can still provide competitive advantages without immediate upgrades or overhauls. For tech leaders, maintaining this confidence requires ongoing evaluation of tech capabilities against strategic objectives to ensure they continue to align effectively.

Consumer Experience and Market Expectations

A staggering 94% of consumers report frustration with disjointed experiences when interacting with organizations.⁶ This statistic highlights a significant gap between technological advancements and their implementation in user-friendly ways.

Improving consumer experience is crucial, as it directly influences satisfaction and loyalty. Tech companies must therefore focus not only on the backend integration of new technologies but also on how these technologies are experienced at the consumer level. Ensuring seamless, intuitive, and cohesive interactions across various platforms and touchpoints can substantially enhance consumer perceptions and foster stronger brand connections.

The technology sector’s landscape is complex and challenging, yet ripe with opportunities for those who can skillfully navigate the pressures of innovation, budget constraints, and consumer expectations. Understanding the nuances of this dynamic—through the lens of key industry statistics—provides valuable insights into strategic decision-making. For tech leaders and companies, the goal is clear: innovate effectively, manage resources wisely, and always keep the consumer experience at the forefront of technological integration. By doing so, they can not only survive but thrive in this competitive industry.

Sources:

1. “KPMG 2023 US Technology Survey.” KPMG, 2023,
   kpmg.com/kpmg-us/content/dam/kpmg/pdf/2023/2023-kpmg-us-tech-survey.pdf
2. “KPMG 2023 Global Tech Report.” KMPG, 2023,
   assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/xx/pdf/2023/09/kpmg-global-tech-report.pdf
3. “Tech Trends 2023: Life Sciences perspective.” Deloitte, 2023,
   www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/life-sciences-health-care/us-tech-trends-2023.pdf
4. “2024 Outlook Technology Report.” Deloitte, 2024,
   www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/2024-tmt-outlook-technology.pdf
5. “Tech Trend 2024 Report.” Horton, 2024,
   hortoninternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Tech_Trend_2024_Report-2.pdf
6. “2023 Digital Trends: Financial Services in Focus.” Adobe, 2023,
   business.adobe.com/content/dam/dx/us/en/resources/digital-trends-financial-services-2023/adobe-digital-trends-2023-fsi.pdf

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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GIAC Security Leadership (GSLC) was issued by Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) to Wylie Blanchard on February 14, 2024.

The GIAC Security Leadership (GSLC) certification validates a practitioner’s understanding of governance and technical controls focused on protecting, detecting, and responding to security issues. GSLC certification holders have demonstrated knowledge of data, network, host, application, and user controls along with key management topics that address the overall security lifecycle.

Learn more.

Skills:

Access Control, Change Management, Cyber Defense, Incident Handling, Information Security, IT Business Management, Leadership, Network Security, Project Management, Risk Management, Security Operations, Security Policy, Software Security, and Vulnerability Management.

Earning Criteria:

• Accept GIAC’s Code of Ethics.
• Acquire skills via industry experience or from a training course.
• Achieve a passing score on the GSLC exam.

Analyst Number:
13012

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As we approach the dawn of 2024, seize the opportunity to shape your year starting right now…

Empower Your Journey: Unlock Success Together

• Invest in Continuous Learning – Commit to taking at least one professional development course or certification to stay updated with the latest industry trends and skills.
• Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration – Become a catalyst for innovation within your organization. Initiate and lead cross-functional projects to enhance collaboration and drive breakthroughs across departments.
• Enhance Digital Presence – Craft a comprehensive strategy to boost your online presence. From updating your social media profile to creating insightful blog posts and actively engaging with your professional network, ensure your digital footprint stands out.

Let’s embark on a journey of growth and achievement in 2024 together.

Wylie Blanchard

In the meantime, here are a few of my activities from 2023:

• Bridging the Gap: Unleashing Digital Transformation for Business Growth
• Security and Privacy Best Practices for Safeguarding Member Data in Non-Profit Organizations
• Building Trust through Effective Communication: Enhancing Customer Relationships in a Digital World
• How Non-Profit Health Services firms can use ChatGPT
• Exploring the Intersection of Emerging Tech, AI, and Business with Marc Lee – Online Dinner Party

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Qualified Technology Expert (Board Certified QTE) was issued by Digital Directors Network to Wylie Blanchard on June 5th, 2023.

DDN Certified Qualified Technology Experts (QTEs) are boardroom qualified technology executives who have the education, applied experience, and/or formal education necessary to work in the corporate boardroom and oversee risk in complex digital business systems.

QTE certification is earned by members of Digital Directors Network (DDN) by completing the DDN QTE 501 Boardroom Readiness Masterclass for Technology Executives and successfully passing examination. The DDN QTE 501 Masterclass is a Certified Professional Development executive education learning program as certified by the CPD Certification Service. DDN is the world’s leading boardroom network focused exclusively on governing systemic risk and overseeing digital and cybersecurity in the corporate boardroom.

QTE certification holders have corporate governance training or experience and executive management experience overseeing one or multiple domains of complex digital business systems including data, information architecture, risk communications, emerging technology, cybersecurity, third-party and systemic risk, IT operations and digital/cyber regulation. Earning QTE certification required attendance at an online or offline QTE 501 boardroom readiness masterclass where participants received thirteen hours of instructor led learning and successfully completed examination.

QTE 501 is designed and delivered by business school professors, experienced technology executives, corporate lawyers and corporate governance experts. QTE certification earners have been trained on the DiRECTOR(TM) framework for overseeing systemic risk in complex digital business systems. They have also been trained on the role of the corporate director in creating and protecting shareholder and stakeholder value.

Learn more.

Skills:

Corporate Governance, and Systemic Risk Oversight of Complex Digital Systems.

Earning Criteria:

• QTE certificate holders have taken and passed the QTE 501 certification exam with a minimum score of 70%.
• QTE certificate holders maintain their certification by completing ten hours of relevant instructor led learning on corporate governance and digital and systemic cyber risk oversight every 2 years.

Evidence:

Certification Number
74950824

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Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) was issued by ISC2 to Wylie Blanchard on April 27, 2023.

The vendor-neutral CISSP credential confirms technical knowledge and experience to design, engineer, implement, and manage the overall security posture of an organization. Required by the world’s most security-conscious organizations, CISSP is the gold-standard information security certification that assures information security leaders possess the breadth and depth of knowledge to establish holistic security programs that protect against threats in an increasingly complex cyber world.

Learn more.

Skills:

Access Management, Asset Security, Communications Security, Identity Management, Network Security, Risk Management, Security Assessment, Security Engineering, Security Management, Security Operations, Security Testing, and Software Development Security.

Earning Criteria:

• Obtain the required experience.
• Achieve a passing score on the CISSP exam.
• Obtain an endorsement from an existing ISC2 member.
• Subscribe to the Code of Ethics.
• Complete continuing professional education requirements.

Evidence:

Certification Number
1469327

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Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) was issued by ISC2 to Wylie Blanchard on February 11, 2023.

The vendor-neutral CC credential starts newcomers on their path to advanced cybersecurity certifications and future leadership roles. It proves to organizations that newly certified team members understand fundamental security principles and operations, network security and access controls and that they have the skills to meet and exceed performance standards in their beginning roles. All this allows organizations to build a stronger line of defense.

Learn more.

Skills:

Access Controls Concepts, Business Continuity (BC) Concepts, Disaster Recovery (DR) Concepts, Incident Response Concepts, Network Security, Security Operations, and Security Principles.

Earning Criteria:

• Achieve a passing score on the CC exam.
• Subscribe to the Code of Ethics.
• Complete continuing professional education requirements.

Evidence:

Certification Number
1469327

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With the 1st day of 2023 approaching, there is no need to wait until the new year to begin planning goals and efforts, let’s do it now…

Challenge your mental and physical discipline.

• Set a new fitness goal that genuinely challenges your physical and mental limits, your time management skills and your nutrition management skills.
• Expand your worldliness by visiting a new part of the world (nationally or internationally) and interacting with locals.
• Learn a skill that is outside of your comfort zone, like public speaking, to exercise your ability to adapt in uncomfortable situations.

Ensure that your goal(s) are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound).

Wylie Blanchard

Let’s meet up in 2023.

In the meantime here are a few of my activities from 2022:

I took a break from the internet (personal use internet activity – with a few exceptions) from Nov 2021 to Nov 2022 and I don’t have any activities to share.

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Here’s the full interview:

Get the bonus Q&A with the audience by visiting GreatTechPros.com.

Here are some short video clips of topics discussed:

• Why I wrote Women of Color in Tech.
• 2 Challenges that Women of Color face in Tech Careers.
• How men can help create opportunities for Women of Color in Tech?
• 3 Career Options for Women of Color in Tech.
• What is a Cloud Technical Specialist?
• What is the Difference between a Coach, Mentor and Sponsor?
• How to Close Technical Skill Gaps?
• Salary Negotiations: What you need to know.
• Introverts: Successful Client & Group Interactions.

Useful Links:

• You can connect with Susanne on her website, Twitter and Linkedin. 
• You can get Susanne’s new book, Women of Color in Tech: A Blueprint for Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators, by visiting WeBelongInTech.com.

Watch or Listen to Great Tech Pros anytime, anywhere.

• Listen on Google Podcasts, 
• Be all ears on Spotify, 
• Eavesdrop on Apple Podcasts, 
• Watch on YouTube, 
• Tune in on Facebook Watch, 
• and more.

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